####018008029#### WTUS82 KTBW 300951 HLSTBW FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-301800- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 15 National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL AL102023 551 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023 This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS ARE NEARING THE FLORIDA BIG BEND REGION** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Inland Citrus, and Pinellas - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, and Sumter - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Coastal Sarasota - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee, Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, Inland Sarasota, and Polk * STORM INFORMATION: - About 60 miles west of Cedar Key FL or about 130 miles northwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL - 29.1N 84.1W - Storm Intensity 130 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Idalia continues to intensify as it moves north to northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today. Catastrophic storm surge will accompany the storm as it makes landfall. Watches and Warnings remain in effect for West Central and Southwest Florida and the adjacent coastal waters. The following are the primary hazards of concern with Idalia: * Storm Surge - Areas across the northern Nature Coast could see catastrophic levels of storm surge, with life-threatening surge also possible across west-central Florida. The main period of surge looks to occur through early Thursday. Storm surge inundation could reach 12 to 16 feet along the Levy county coastline, 7 to 11 across the Citrus County coastline, 6 to 9 feet along the Hernando and Pasco county coastlines, 4 to 6 feet for the Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee county coastlines, 3 to 5 feet along the Sarasota county coast, and 2 to 4 feet along Charlotte and Lee counties. * Wind - Winds will continue to increase, with hurricane force winds possible across much of the area, especially near the coast north of Tampa Bay. Idalia has intensified into a major hurricane. Tropical storm force winds will continue across the southern zones. Downed trees and powerlines, with prolonged power outages will be possible. * Rainfall - Rain bands from Idalia will continue to lift over the area today. A slight to moderate risk for flooding is possible, mainly along the coast and across the northern zones, closer to the center of the storm. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts up to 12 inches is possible. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having possible catastrophic impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible. - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having possibleextensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across West Central and Southwest Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: IMMINENT/ONGOING PHASE - Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$